Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key (22 page)
Read Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Online
Authors: SL Morgan
As sleep was beginning to overpower her, she realized
she was losing the battle against her attraction to him. She had to admit the
truth of what she feared the most—she was falling in love with a man who could
not love her in return.
Chapter
14
T
he next morning, Reece was still in high spirits from the previous
day’s outing with Levi. She walked to the windows and let out a sigh of
contentment when she saw the sun again. Soon, the snow would be completely
melted, and she could spend her time outdoors again.
After Jasmeen
finished applying the finishing touches to Reece’s wardrobe for the day, she
left to prepare Reece a cup of tea. Reece made a few small adjustments to her
hair before making her way out to the sitting room. As she walked into the
room, she found a familiar figure standing in front of the fireplace.
It was Levi,
wearing a deep blue button down shirt, tucked neatly into his crisp, dark
trousers. Reece had not seen him in clothes like this since the day he and
Harrison brought her into Pemdas. She felt a sudden pang of anxiety overcome
her.
Is he here to take me back to Earth? He has to be, there’s no
other reason he’d show up here dressed like this.
Levi lips pulled up
into his usual stunning smile.
I bet that smile
could cure cancer.
“Good morning,
Reece.”
“Good morning to
you, too, Levi. So, have you come to give me the good news?”
Levi chuckled as
Reece made her way over to him, “The good news?”
“By the way you’re
dressed, I’m assuming that you’re here to let me know I’m going back to Earth.”
Reece exhaled,
strangely she was relieved. “Well then, what brings you here so early, and
dressed like a stockbroker, no less.” She laughed.
Levi half smiled,
“My mother has requested that I escort you to a private breakfast with her this
morning. And you were partially right; Harrison and I are to return to Earth
this morning.”
“A private
breakfast, huh?” Reece asked.
“Yes, she wishes to
converse with you without distractions in regard to your day in the city
yesterday. She took a great interest when I informed her about the boy,
Christopher, we met. I believe she would like to invite you on a journey back
to the city with her. My mother is very involved with the impoverished areas
throughout Pemdas, and she would like to ensure that the city is doing
everything in its power adequately provide for its citizens.”
Reece’s eyebrows
rose, “Wow. I think it would be great to watch your mother in action.”
Levi offered his
arm, “I believe you will enjoy it. Now, if you are ready, my mother awaits you
in the sunroom.”
Reece placed her
arm in his, and he led her out from the room.
“Levi?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think I
will be going back to Earth soon?”
“Samuel is fairly
confident that within a month or so, when he is assured the Ciatron have lost
all interest in your stand-in, that you should be able to return.”
Reece’s lips
twisted up in thought, “I’m not ready to go back, Levi; I
mean, I’m not prepared.”
Levi stopped
walking and turned to face her, “Reece, we will still be protecting you either
way.”
“No, you don’t
understand. I seem to have gotten caught up in your world here, and forgotten
about the world I am from. Right now, during my semester break, I would be
studying for my third year in med school. It’s going to be my hardest year,
with rotations and all, and I’m not ready for it.” She trailed off.
“Reece, I
understand you are sacrificing a lot right now.”
She looked back up
at him, ignoring his response, “I have to find a way to study. I can’t forget
about my responsibilities on Earth. I can’t forget who I really am, and my
‘real life’ responsibilities.”
Levi offered his
arm again and resumed their walk, “Reece, you are a very intelligent young
woman, I have no doubt that when you get back, you will pick back up where you
left off without any trouble.”
Easy for you to
say.
“Yeah, I guess. But I think
I’ll feel better if I took a couple of hours out of my day to study and stay on
top of things.”
Their conversation
was cut short as Simone, Lillian, and Catherine approached them in the
corridor.
“Levi—Reece—well,
this is a surprise.” Simone announced, forcing Levi and Reece to stop and greet
them.
Reece was surprised
to see the three women. She had rarely seen them around the Palace since
Allestaine and Navarre’s return; the three women had made great efforts to
avoid her. Her body tensed under Simone’s scrutinizing gaze. It was obvious the
woman was not happy to find Reece with Levi.
“Ladies.” Levi
acknowledged them.
“Good morning.”
Reece managed.
Simone smiled at
Reece. “It is a
good
morning, Reece. We were just on our way to your
room to give you our farewells.”
“Farewells?” Reece
questioned.
“Well, yes. You
see, we will be traveling to a friend’s estate for a short vacation. It is
quite a distance from the Palace, and we may be gone for close to a month. So,”
she grinned, “If we do not see you before you return to Earth, we wanted to use
this opportunity to wish you well.”
“How very
considerate of you, Ladies. Now—if you’ll excuse us, my Mother is awaiting
Reece for a private breakfast.” Levi answered with irritation in his voice.
Reece was grateful
that Levi politely interrupted before she had a chance to answer. Simone was
unceasingly proving to Reece what a strange person she was.
Yeah, I’m sure
you wouldn’t be able to rest if you knew you didn’t say goodbye to me, Simone.
Reece smiled at the
three women. “Thank you. I hope you all enjoy your vacation.”
Lillian and
Catherine both smiled, and offered their farewell’s. Simone’s eyes narrowed as
she took notice of the arrow bracelet on Reece’s wrist. Reece watched as a hint
of red touched the woman’s cheeks; she could feel the anger radiating from her.
“Enjoy your
breakfast, Reece. As I said, if you should return to Earth, and we don’t see
you again, it was a pleasure to know you.”
Before Reece could
respond, Simone and her friends hastily made their exit.
Reece looked up at
Levi, who had a grin playing in the corner of his mouth. “I’d like to say it
would be lonely around the Palace without them; however, I believe you’ll
finally find yourself at peace amongst us now.”
Reece shook her
head, “Well, I’m glad Simone reiterated why I need to be studying.”
“As I said earlier
Reece, you should not worry over your schooling. When you return to Earth, we
will help to make it a smooth transition for you.”
Reece forced a
smile upon her face. “I really don’t know how you’re going to do that, but
okay.”
Once they were in
the sunroom, Levi led Reece to her seat, and walked over to his mother. She
stood to give him a heartfelt hug. “I suppose you and Harrison are prepared to
leave?”
“All ready. It
should only be a short visit—two or three days.” He looked at Reece and
grinned. “Reece, everything will be fine.” He then addressed both women, “I
will leave you two ladies to enjoy your breakfast. Enjoy your day.”
“Be
safe, Son. We’ll see you soon. Thank you for bringing Reece this morning.”
Levi nodded, “It’s
always my pleasure.” He gave a quick bow, turned, and exited the room.
Allestaine looked
at Reece with concern, “Is there something troubling you, Reece?”
Reece smiled,
hoping it would ease Allestaine’s concern. “No, I’m fine. I was just worrying
about my third semester in medical school this year. But, like Levi said, it’s
all going to be fine.”
Allestaine
smiled, “Yes, it will.”
Two servants
brought out various breakfast items, and set them on the table. They filled the
ladies’ tea cups, and made their way from the room.
As the women ate
their breakfast, they spoke about Reece’s visit to the city the day before.
Reece’s animated account of the day’s events delighted the Empress.
“Reece, it
appears that you enjoyed your visit to the city, and I am thrilled to hear it.
Levi and I had a brief discussion about the young boy, Christopher, that you
met yesterday.”
“Yes, what Levi
did for his family was so kind.” Reece replied.
Allestaine
smiled, “That is what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, after Levi
informed me about his family’s loss, I feel obligated to pay them a visit.
Would you care to join me?”
“Oh, I’d love to.
When are you planning to go?”
Allestaine smiled.
“Well, my daughter will be home with in the week, and I have made plans to go
after that. Elizabeth is excited to meet you, and I believe this will be an
excellent opportunity for you and her to get acquainted.”
“I really do look
forward to meeting her.”
“She will be much
more enjoyable company for you than Simone, Lillian, and Catherine.” She
laughed. “Now, regarding our visit to the city, we will be staying for close to
three days, and will be visiting the areas where the less fortunate live. I
have amassed clothing and other items that have been donated for those who
might be in need of them.”
Reece smiled;
this family’s interest in those less fortunate was very endearing, to say the
least.
“Is there
anything I can do to help you prepare?”
“Well, if you’d
like, once we finish breakfast, you can accompany me to the collections room,
where I have been organizing the donated items.”
Reece nodded; the
last of her concern for school was waning, and being replaced with the
excitement of helping Allestaine with her charity work.
The rest of the
afternoon passed fairly quickly. Reece was amazed at all of the items
Allestaine had accumulated. Excitement washed over the lady as she would show
Reece the different outfits and pieces of furniture that were to be distributed
to the needy.
“Reece, to see
the expressions on their faces...it delights me more than anything.” She
laughed. “Excited as they are, I am equally as thrilled.”
“I have never
been a part of anything like this, Lady Allestaine; but considering
Christopher’s response to Levi yesterday, I can only imagine what it will be
like to go and donate all of this.” Reece said as she looked around the room
filled with furniture.
Allestaine
smiled, “I truly believe you will enjoy this; I am happy you are coming with
us.”
The two women
passed most of the day going through all of the items and arranging them. Reece
became more excited about the trip and the opportunity to witness the happiness
this would bring the people that were to receive the items.
After breakfast
the next morning, Lady Allestaine dismissed herself to attend to her duties.
Reece used this opportunity to go into the Palace’s vast library in search of
book containing medical reference material.
She walked along
the many different books, not knowing where to start.
I’m never going to
find anything in here.
Her attention was drawn to an area of books that
might resemble what she was looking for. She pulled one off the shelf that
seemed like it would relate somewhat to medical science. She opened it, and
glanced through its pages. None of the terms they used made any sense to her,
and she knew it was pointless to try to read it. As she reached to put the book
back on the shelf, another caught her attention.
It was a history
book about the Pemdai people, and it instantly sparked her interest. She pulled
it off of the shelf, and took a seat in a chair by the window. So involved with
the interesting writings within the book, she barely caught the image of the
tall figure standing in the doorway. She looked up, slightly startled, and
noticed Levi—dressed as if he had just stepped off of Wall Street—staring at
her with an amused expression on his face.
At first glance,
the impeccably tailored black suit he wore gave the impression of power and
wealth. Was it the suit? Maybe it was just Levi. Everything about him exuded
nobility and inexorable power. If it weren’t for the stunning grin he wore, she
would have been somewhat intimated to be in his presence at the moment.
“Forgive me if I
am interrupting you.” He said as he crossed the room to where she sat.
He took a seat in
a chair across from her, and holding three textbooks in his hands.
Trying to keep a
level head in response to this exquisite man sitting in front of her, she responded.
“This is a surprise, Levi. You’re back from Earth already?”